BEACH RESTORATION PROJECTS AT CAPE MAY POINT, NEW JERSEY

Storm activity and increased rates of sea-level rise have exacerbated coastal erosion along many Mid-Atlantic beaches. Due to its location, Cape May Point, New Jersey is subject to these conditions and has a history of beach erosion. A variety of restoration projects at Cape May Point, New Jersey have been employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to combat beach erosion. This study focuses on beach erosion over the last 25 years at the Cape May Point sites of Lake Avenue Beach, Coral Avenue Beach, and Whilldin Avenue Beach and examines the effectiveness of offshore reef and beach nourishment projects. The coastal community of Cape May Point relies on the integrity of its beaches for recreation and livelihood, thus raising concerns and implementing projects. Beaches have been rebuilt and maintained since the projects have been in place allowing the local community to successfully mitigate the concerns associated with coastal erosion (decreased beach area and coastal flooding).